Off Guard Triumphs: Theatre as a Catalyst for Social Justice

Ibukun Fasunhan’s play Off Guard made its world debut this year with the help of Creative Saskatchewan’s Live Performing Arts Production grant.

Fasunhan has an extensive history with theatre, beginning with his role as stage manager while attending the University of Lagos in Nigeria. After contributing to several productions under different roles, he now focuses on playwriting and directing to advocate for social justice. His first play in Regina, Rites of Passage, premiered last year and delves into the trauma that he and others have faced during the immigration process.

Ready to continue his work, he sought out Creative Saskatchewan’s funding opportunities to support his next project, “The grant has been invaluable in honing my skills in writing and directing. On a personal level, it has allowed me to contribute to my community and social justice in my own way, while professionally, it has enabled me to continue pursuing my art.”

The playwright’s newest production, Off Guard, follows four Black students from diverse backgrounds as they defy the odds stacked against them in Canadian universities and find themselves confronting the harsh and unrelenting realities of racism. Their stories were formed from the harrowing lived experiences of 31 Black students across Canada. Off Guard was selected as part of the plays to be featured for the On Cue Performance Hub’s Season of Plays in 2024 at the Shubox Theatre in University of Regina.

Ibukun curated audience participation into his production to foster important dialogues. The audience was split into two groups, supporting and opposing sides, which switched roles as the discussion progressed and solutions for each character were explored. “Dismantling racism is a responsibility that everyone must actively engage in,” Fasunhan explained, “The audience discussion after the second act was incredibly productive, and it was fascinating to hear how the audience came up with various solutions to the issues presented on stage.” The play sheds light on the critical need for stronger anti-racism policies in universities, and he is proud to inform audiences about the societal issues affecting marginalized communities, “My goal was always to leave the audience with something to reflect on, something that would challenge their perspectives and inspire them to take action in their own lives. To know that the play achieved that—encouraging people to think critically about the world around them—gives me a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.”

Following the successful reception of his play, Ibukun plans to take the play to festivals across Canada, including the cities where the stories originated. Using his artform as a powerful tool for social change—the writer continues providing visibility to Black voices within educational institutions and theatre spaces across Canada.

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